Public Works

The Board has recently adopted a strategy to maximize road preservation by resurfacing as many miles of road as possible with minimal expenditure. This approach was chosen over the previous method of paving only a small number of miles annually, which was deemed insufficient to meet the county's needs. I support this initiative, recognizing that it may not satisfy everyone, especially without a dedicated Transportation SPLOST. To prioritize roadwork, the county contracted a firm to visually assess and grade the condition of our paved roads. This evaluation helps determine the most critical resurfacing needs and the appropriate methods based on the roads' conditions. It's essential to continue investing in our road infrastructure, including the necessary equipment and staff.

Additionally, the road department has been improving our dirt roads by adding materials to enhance their durability and drivability, especially during heavy rainfall. Over 53 miles of dirt roads have been upgraded, significantly reducing complaints. The improvement efforts will persist, utilizing materials like rock and road millings. A notable collaboration with a Navy base involves overseeing their road resurfacing bids, which benefits both parties by saving costs and providing materials for county road upgrades.

Looking ahead, a comprehensive countywide transportation study is needed to future-proof our road system, extending into urban areas. The Board has also approved new positions within the Public Works department to address drainage, landscaping, and maintenance for county properties.

Progress is being made towards replacing the 40-year-old Public Works facility with a new one off highway 110 near Woodbine. This facility will enhance fleet maintenance capabilities, potentially extending to Sheriff's Office vehicles. This proposition, currently under discussion with the Sheriff, suggests consolidating fleet services at this new location, as Public Works occasionally assists the Sheriff's Office fleet maintenance.

Parks & Recreation

In my opinion, the governments that fund the PSA

missed an opportunity to help fix the PSA right after the

scandal broke. The governments should have worked

with our state representative then to craft new

language to correct the PSA. I am guilty in that regard

as well, but when I first joined the PSA Board I pushed

for changes not only to the make up of the board but

the powers for the board as well. I proposed that the

PSA Board be an All Elected Board just for the purpose

of recreation and leisure services. These board

members would have been elected much like the

county commission and school board by districts. But, I

received very little support. The Board did make minor

changes and those were adopted.

Monies were spent in the years that I was on the PSA

Board to repair the core area of the PSA but much more

is stil needed. I asked for more funding for the PSA but

was not successful in securing more funding. However

we will not have top grade parks and ballfields without

the extra funding. The county approved over $650,000

of ARPA funds for the upgrade of county owned parks

and some of this work is on going. I have continued to

push for upgrade to the pavilion kitchens to bring back

stoves. I will continue to push for more funding above

the ARPA funds.

However, continued funding of the PSA at a level that it

need in order to correct the past will be an issue that

must be dealt with. As I have proposed before, to

properly fund the PSA the county can setup a special

tax district that encompasses the whole county. Once

this is done a millage rate can be set at a level to fund

the PSA. As it is now, I don't believe that the PSA has the

correct amount of funding. But we must work together

with the cities to get this done.